While the names of the Viking Longships were inspired by Norse mythology, the fully refurbushed Russian ships are named after the first intrepid Viking explorers who becane fouders of the Rus dynasty that for centuries ruled the land we know today as Russia. The reference is fitting, as Viking has deep roots here. Viking River Cruises was born in Russia, with a small fleet of innovative vessels that became the model for contemporary river cruising along Russia’s waterways.